We will remember them

As we prepare to commemorate the brave women and men who served, and continue to serve, in our country’s armed forces, North Media reflects on the Shinboners who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Of the 223 former North players that represented their country on the front-line in either World War I, World War II, Vietnam War or in the National Service, seven died on active duty, and gave their lives for our nation’s freedom.

North players who died in active service

Lance Corporal Halcombe Brock

(3/04/1919 - 2/08/1941)

Lance Corporal Halcombe Brock served as a Leading Aircraftman in the Royal Australian Air Force in 1941.

On the 6th of January, Brock was enlisted in the RAAF, but was granted permission to play for North, who he played four games for, and kicked three goals.

At just 22-years-old, Brock was accidentally killed in an air collision on August 2 in the You Yangs, a mountain range south-west of Melbourne.

Private Alfred Goonan

(3/04/1904 - 22/01/1942)

Private Alfred Goonan served as part of the Infantry Battalion in the Australian Army between 1940 and 1942.

Goonan, who played seven games for North and kicked 12 goals, was a part of the club’s first ever VFL game, and is believed to have kicked North’s first ever score.

At the age of 37, he was killed in action on January 22, 1942 in Singapore, Malaya.

Private Leonard Johnson

(6/07/1908 - 24/01/1942)

Private Leonard Johnson was a member of the Reserve Motor Transport Company in the Australian Army.

The full-forward made the move to North Melbourne after playing 64 games for Essendon, and featured in the royal blue and white five times in 1933.

At 33-years-old, Johnson died while on active service on January 24, 1942 in Singapore, Malaya.

Flying Officer Albert Peters

(8/08/1908 - 13/06/1944)

Flying Officer Albert Peters, a school teacher by trade, was a part of Squadron 53 in the RAAF.

Peters played 17 games for North in two seasons, but was never a part of a winning side.

At 35-years-old, Peters was sent to England for training, and was posted to his squadron.

While conducting an anti-submarine patrol on June 13, 1944, Peters’ aircraft was shot down over the English Channel, with all crew members on board killed.

Pilot Officer Beresford Reilly

(17/09/1914 - 23/07/1943)

Pilot Officer Beresford Reilly, a butcher by trade, was a part of Squadron 454 in the RAAF.

Reilly played eight games for North after moving from Footscray after failing to get a game.

The winger also played at Melbourne and St Kilda after his stint at Arden Street.

Reilly was killed on July 23, 1943, when his aircraft crashed over Crete.

Flight Sergeant Morris Shapir

(9/09/1917 - 15/08/1942)

Flight Sergeant Morris Shapir, who was a member of Squadron 108 in the RAAF, played three games for North.

Standing at 164 centimetres, and weighing just under 62 kgs, Shapir managed three goals in his career.

Shapir was killed in action on August 15, 1942 in Egypt.

Corporal Leonard Thomas

(20/07/1908 - 17/08/1943)

Corporal Leonard Thomas was a member of the Independent Company in the Australian Army.

Thomas played over 200 games for South Melbourne (187), North (16) and Melbourne (6), and kicked 78 goals.

At age 35, Thomas was killed fighting the Japanese in Salamaua, New Guinea, and became the most experienced VFL player to be killed in war.